Mohyla míru Peace Cairn opening hours for 2026

Opening times at the Peace Cairn change with the seasons. From April to September, the site is usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During the colder months, hours are often shorter. Between October and March, the monument typically closes by 4:30 PM. Always check the official tourism portal for temporary closures. Most visitors spend about 90 minutes exploring the museum and grounds.

The museum and the chapel have the same operating schedule. However, the last entry is always 30 minutes before closing. If you arrive late, you may only see the exterior. The grounds around the cairn remain accessible even after the museum shuts. This is perfect for sunset photography over the Moravian countryside. Keep in mind that Mondays are standard closing days for many Czech museums.

• Summer (April-Sept): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
• Winter (Oct-March): 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily.
• Mondays: Often closed or limited hours; verify before traveling.
• Last Entry: 30 minutes prior to the official closing time.

Before you go: Essential planning checklist

Preparation is key for a successful trip to Prace Hill. The site is located about 15 kilometers from Brno city center. You can reach it by car, bike, or public transport. If you enjoy history, consider looking into the Battle of Three Emperors events held nearby. These events can affect local traffic and crowd sizes. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain around the monument is uneven.

• Transport: Check the bus schedules from Brno Main Station (Hlavní nádraží).
• Tickets: Carry small denominations of Czech Koruna (CZK) for entry fees.
• Navigation: Download an offline map of the Prace area.
• Weather: Pack a windbreaker, as the hill can be quite breezy.
• Connectivity: Ensure your phone is charged for photos and GPS.

On the day: Visiting the Austerlitz Battlefield

When you arrive, head straight to the museum building. It is located underground, right next to the cairn. The exhibition uses multimedia to explain the 1805 battle. After the museum, visit the chapel inside the monument itself. The acoustics here are famous for their unique echo. Respectful silence is expected inside the chapel areas. You can also find more travel ideas by checking other day trips from Brno.

• Museum Entry: Buy a combined ticket for the chapel and exhibition.
• Chapel Visit: Experience the unique acoustics and see the altar.
• Outdoor View: Walk around the base for a 360-degree view of the battlefield.
• Refreshments: Visit the onsite cafe for local snacks and coffee.
• Souvenirs: Browse the small gift shop for historical books and medals.

Common mistakes when visiting the Peace Cairn

Many tourists make simple errors that waste time. Avoiding these mistakes will make your visit more enjoyable. For instance, don't forget that the site is in a rural area. Services are limited compared to Brno city center. If you plan to visit Slavkov u Brna on the same day, start early. Most people underestimate the time needed for transport between sites.

• Arriving too late: Missing the 30-minute last entry cutoff for the museum.
• Ignoring the weather: Forgetting that the hilltop is much colder than the city.
• Relying on cards only: Some small kiosks may prefer cash for snacks.
• Missing the museum: Only looking at the cairn and skipping the exhibition.
• Transport confusion: Not checking the return bus times back to Brno.
• Skipping the chapel: Assuming the interior is not accessible to the public.

If you are a history enthusiast: Pro tips

History buffs will find the Peace Cairn fascinating. It was the first peace monument in Europe. The design is full of symbolism related to the Napoleonic wars. For a deeper dive, visit the Visit Czechia website for historical context. You might also want to explore the nearby village of Prace. It played a major role in the tactical movements during the battle.

• Audio Guides: Ask for the English audio guide at the reception desk.
• Prace Hill Walk: Follow the marked trails to see where the French lines stood.
• Photography: Visit during the "golden hour" for the best monument shots.
• Local Monuments: Look for the small stone crosses scattered around the fields.